2. [less than 1 line of source text not
declassified] wished that influence could be brought to bear on
Richard Ishmael, president of the Manpower Citizens' Association (MPCA), which is the anti-Jagan sugar workers' union, to
co-operate with the pro-Jagan
arbitration committee which has been set up to mediate the dispute. [less than 1 line of source text not declassified]
representatives pointed out to [less than 1 line of
source text not declassified] that this would be giving in to
Jagan and that Ishmael
probably would not follow [less than 1 line of source
text not declassified] advice in this matter. [less than 1 line of source text not declassified]
agreed with this, but said that he would not like [less than 1 line of source text not declassified] to urge
defiance from Ishmael.

3. In view of the above, a [less than 1 line of source
text not declassified] State [less than 1
line of source text not declassified] cable has been sent to
the Consul General [less than 1 line of source text
not declassified] in
Georgetown,4No other copy of this cable
has been found. giving [less than 1 line of
source text not declassified] the following guidance:

“a. Our principal objective is to defeat the PPP in the forthcoming elections and to bring into power a
coalition government of the People's National Congress, the United
Force, and alternative East Indian party(ies), headed by Linden Forbes
Burnham. While retaining
tactical flexibility, all our moves must be directed at attainment of
this objective.

“b. We believe that in terms of accomplishing our objective things at
this time are going well despite the current wave of violence.
Registration of voters to date and the increasing nervousness of the
PPP support this assessment.

“c. Therefore, we should make every effort to adhere to the present
schedule, i.e., elections under proportional representation in early
November, and to avoid being deflected from our present course. The
PPP is clearly making every effort
to upset this schedule.

“d. We believe that resumption of direct British rule at this stage would
impede the attainment of our objective. Resumption could delay
elections, make it easier for the British Labour Party, if it comes to
power, to tamper with Sandys'
decision, and give the PPP additional
campaign issues.

“f. Tactically we would prefer to allow HMG on its own initiative,
without urgings by the U.S., to arrive at the conclusion that a
declaration of emergency and probably the dispatch of additional troops
are required.

“g. We agree with your reasons that it would be disadvantageous for the
MPCA to consent to co-operate with
the committee to investigate the sugar dispute, which is obviously
stacked in favor of the PPP. We also
agree that Ishmael is not likely to co-operate. In discussions locally
you should continue to take the position that Ishmael should be allowed
to make his own decision.

“h. [1 line of source text not declassified]”

4. A copy of this memorandum is being sent to Mr. William C. Burdett of the Department of
State. Ambassador Bruce in
London has been informed of the above.

2[text not
declassified] State [text not
declassified] telegram from Georgetown, unnumbered, May 21.
(Department of State, INR/IL
Historical Files, British Guiana 1964 [file name
not declassified] Progress Report [file
name not declassified] State Memos)

5In
telegram 298 to Georgetown, May 22, the Department reported that the
British Embassy in Washington had informed it that, under pressure
from the Governor and the Commissioner of Police, Jagan had notified the Governor
that he would “advise” the Governor to declare a state of emergency
on May 22 or 23. (National Archives and Records Administration, RG
59, Central Files 1964–66, POL 23–8 BR GU)